In a first, Netflix has acquired the worldwide theatrical and streaming rights to Martin Scorsese’s next film, The Irishman. The movie, a $100 million gangster film starring Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, is set to be the next Netflix Original.

Announced in 2008, The Irishman is an adaptation of Charles Brandt's 2014 book named I Heard You Paint Houses, which follows the life of mob hitman Frank Sheeren, who confessed to killing organised-crime leader Jimmy Hoffa. The script of the movie has been written by Steve Zaillian of Schindler's List and Gangs of New York fame.

The film was initially set up with Paramount for release which was handling the domestic distribution and STX Entertainment handling overseas rights. However, Scorsese and team have now opted to package the movie elsewhere according to IndieWire.

Paramount Pictures had released Martin's previous film Silence which cost them $46 million but earned only $7.1 million. With the previous movie not delivering results as expected and the exit of chief Brad Grey, the movie hit a few halts. As reported to IndieWire, "The movie is a risky deal and Paramount is not in the position to take risks".

Martin Scorsese is recognised as one of the world’s most famous directors, and with his movie exploring a different mode of distribution, it is expected to bring a shift in how movie makers will use technology to market their films in the future.

Netflix has not commented on the deal, but sources close to the project confirmed a report by IndieWire. Production on The Irishman is expected to start later this year.